When you decide to have solar panels installed, one of the first things you need to think about is the condition of your roof. Because it is best to have solar panels installed on your roof when it is in good condition, the company installing your panels will inspect your roof before installing the panels. Once your roof passes the inspection, they will install the solar panels; the added bonus is that the solar panels will protect your roof from debris and any damage. But roof shingles typically last for around 15-20 years, so if your roof is older when your solar panels are installed, it could end up needing to be repaired or replaced after you have your panels installed. If this happens, what will happen to your solar panels? Will they have to be removed? Would roofers handle the job or would solar installers do it? Knowing ahead of time what to do and what to expect will save you time and money.
First, Determine If You Need Repairs
Once you install your solar panels, they will provide added protection to your roof against damage from the weather, such as hail, snow, ice, or even the sun. But you might need to make repairs before they are installed, or even afterwards. Make sure you know what repairs need to be made before installation, so your roof will last longer, and you won’t have to go through the process of replacing it in the near future. Some signs that you need to make repairs include:
- Curling shingles
- Water spots on your ceiling
- Missing shingles or missing asphalt granules
- Roof rot
- Blistering or bubbling of shingles
If you experience any of these issues, it is important to fix your roof as soon as possible to avoid any further damage, including decay, mold, or a weakened roof that could eventually cave in.
Next, Contact The Solar Installation Company
If you need to replace your roof and you already have solar panels installed, there is no other option than to take down your solar panels first. You will need to contact the solar installation company that installed the solar panels and ask them to remove them. Roofers do not have the training or skills to properly handle solar panel removal. Make sure to communicate with the roofers and solar installers so that roofers are ready to come fix the roof as soon as possible after the solar panels are taken down. The longer you are without solar power, the higher your electric bills will be.
How Much Will it Cost To Remove Solar Panels?
As mentioned, if your roof needs to be replaced, your solar panels will need to be removed. This might raise a few questions, such as is it free? If not, how much will it cost? Unfortunately, the removal and reinstallation of solar panels is not free and it will cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. The breakdown looks like this:
- Labor- On average, removal of 14-16 panels on a 1,500 square foot roof cost around $2,000-3,000. The price will vary depending on how many panels you have, the pitch of your roof, and how long it will take to remove the panels. There will be an additional fee to have them reinstalled.
- Mounting hardware- This costs about $800 on average.
- Cleaning of solar panels– Once they are removed, you have the option to have them cleaned, which will cost between $300 and $450. If you want to skip this step, you can, but having them cleaned while they are off of your roof is a good idea.
- Storage Fees– You will need to store your solar panels somewhere they will not get damaged or broken. If you can put them somewhere in your home, great! If not, it will cost you around $300 to transport and store them in the company’s storage area.
It Is Best To…
Get your roof checked out and inspected before installing solar panels so you can avoid these costs. If you work with a reputable company, installers will thoroughly inspect your roof and make sure no repairs are needed before installing solar panels. Go Solar Energy works with the top-rated solar energy companies in the country, who will make sure your roof is in top shape before installing solar panels, so you don’t have to fork over any money later on. We will also find you all possible solar incentives in order to help you save even more money! To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar on our homepage, or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-290-3112.
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